OUR MISSION
To spread aloha and share an unforgettable ocean experience with visitors of our lovely islands.
Founded in 2008, our company believes that swimming alongside these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat can be transformative and can inspire visitors to support Hawaii wildlife conservation efforts.
With over 400,000 happy guests and thousands of 5-star reviews, we promise to make your Hawaii vacation unforgettable with adventures for all ages.
As ocean ambassadors, our trained staff is ready to guide you on an incredible adventure. Get to know more about our amazing Oahu crews and Kona crews!
ABOUT THE OWNER
The owner of our company swam with dolphins when she was 5 months pregnant with her first child, and it changed her life forever. So much so that she legally changed her last name to a word that means dolphin (IRUKA)! It’s her belief that swimming alongside intelligent dolphins in their natural environment can deeply affect us on a human level.
As the only female, minority-owned dolphin tour in Oahu, Iruka Hawaii is inviting to all travelers. Yuriko Iruka founded the company in 2008, believing that a wild dolphin tour with an open mind and heart can be transformative and can inspire visitors to support Hawaii wildlife conservation efforts.
MEET OUR CREW!
Yuriko Iruka
PRESIDENT (OAHU & BIG ISLAND)
Iruka’s life was changed after she gained inspiration from the dolphins’ happiness and wonder. Her mission in life is to share her gratitude and happiness with more people and to inspire others to always live life courageously, positively, and optimistically.
‘Papa’ Henry
CAPTAIN (OAHU)
Henry Pelekai has been the captain of Iruka Hawaii for as long as ten years. Previously, he worked as a firefighter for 34 years.
Sasha
CAPTAIN & CREW (OAHU)
Sasha is Iruka Hawaii’s female captain! She’s cute and friendly and will make your tour enjoyable.
Brandon
CAPTAIN (OAHU)
Brandon was born and raised in Nanakuli. In his spare time, he goes hiking as well as to the beach. He likes to exercise!
Trevor
CREW (BIG ISLAND)
Trevor is from London, UK and marine biology is his area of expertise. He moved to Hawaii and Iruka was “love at first sight” for him. He loves his job and hasn’t given much thought about other careers. He loves marine life so much that we think he’s actually part fish.
Kosuke
GUIDE
Originally an office worker sitting in front of a computer all day, Kosuke changed his profession to be a guide at Iruka Hawaii. Thanks to sleeping and waking up early, doing balance exercises and swimming with dolphins, his chronic backache has disappeared.
Samadhi
GUIDE
Born and raised in Maui, Samadhi is half Japanese and half American. He loves the sea and eating. Say hi to Sam!
Tamae
GUIDE (BIG ISLAND)
Born and raised in Kamakura, Japan, Tamae hobby was dancing hula. Occuring by chance or by fate, she moved to the Big Island in 2017. She was the youngest crew at Iruka Hawaii in Kona. She’s always fascinated by the ocean and gives it her all everyday to share the ocean’s charm with our guests. She’s always looking for a challenge. In 2019, she participated in her first triathlon. She has qualifications as an American Red Cross life saver.
Alishiya
GUIDE (BIG ISLAND)
Alishiya loves the ocean as well as family and treats it with love and respect. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and hanging out with friends. She also loves making people smile!
Bryce
CREW (Big Island)
I love the natural world, whether it’s snorkeling, surfing or just watching my family grow up. That’s what has drawn me to the ocean and it’s what will keep me here.
Joe
CREW (Big Island)
Born and raise in Minneapolis
27 years old
Been living on island 4 years
Love all things sports and outdoors!
Lena
CREW (Big Island)
Born and raised in Key West, FL. She moved to Hawai’i to enjoy surfing and clear blue water.
Mitch
CREW (Big Island)
Hey, I’m Mitch! One of the main reasons I moved to Hawaii was to work in the ocean. I love adventure, and spending time with animals and learning about them. Finding new sea creatures you have never been lucky enough to swim with is a pretty cool job.
Ryan
CREW (Big Island)
I’ve worked for Iruka for two years, and I love taking people out to swim with manta rays! In my free time I love to surf, motorcycle ride, hike, and read.